The New Normal among Indonesian Elderly: Their Perception on COVID 19 and Their Positive Perspective to Accept the Consequences

Abstract

Background: The Elderly are very prone to Covid-19. Since very early, focus being targeted to change public behaviour. Preventing infection is a challenge, because of potency co-morbidities. Slowly, there is gradually change in condition and people being prepared to get ready for the new normal. But unfortunately, we know very little about what our elderly perception is and their responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: Using Whatssapp™ we deliver our electronic survey by “snow ball effect” based on specific groups, families or other supporting elderly community, conducted from June to August 2020. The electronic questionnaire divided into three sections: (1) demographic, (2) the knowledge, perception and compliance of Indonesia’s older people toward the new normal and (3) how this covid pandemic affect their daily life. All data collected and being pooled into one Microsoft excel™ sheet form then being analyzed statistically with suitable descriptive test. Results: 1018 people joined the study, consist of 462 male (45.4%, mean age 62.66) and 556 female (54.6%, mean age 62.79). In general, 85.95% of our respondents claimed they were healthy during the study conducted. They were already aware on the issues of new normal and its consequences. They realize that it will affect their health, daily life routine, but most of our respondents denying that it will complicate their life. The challenges they foresee included feeling insecure, health service, financial and transportation. However, despite all of these troubles, most of our respondents still have a positive point of view in order to accept the pandemic and its consequences. Conclusion: The Indonesian elderly, as one of important part of our society showed their maturity and exemplary that become the importance basis of their acceptance and positive reaction.